Moving to a new country is exhilarating — and administratively daunting. Insurance is one area where getting it right early saves enormous trouble later.

The essentials

Beyond compulsory health cover, many European countries strongly recommend — or even require — personal liability insurance, which protects you if you accidentally cause harm or damage. In Germany, it is considered almost indispensable.

Home and contents

Renters and owners alike should consider household insurance. Policies and customs differ by country, so local advice is invaluable.

Treat your first month abroad as an insurance audit — it pays dividends for years.